Dieffenbachia

Yes, dieffenbachia is toxic to cats. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. While rarely fatal, the discomfort can be significant.

Symptoms typically begin with the very first bite: sudden intense oral burning, frantic drooling and lip-smacking, refusal to eat or drink, and difficulty swallowing. Less commonly, the tongue or back of the throat can swell enough to affect breathing. Oral irritation usually resolves within 12 to 24 hours once the crystals clear.

Remove any remaining plant material from your cat's mouth and gently wipe the mouth with a wet cloth to help dislodge crystals. Do not induce vomiting and do not give home antidotes without speaking to a vet first. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian right away.

Call your vet immediately if you see any swelling of the tongue or throat, any change in breathing, persistent retching, or if your cat cannot close its mouth — these signs can indicate airway compromise. For uncomplicated drooling alone, the guidance is to call within the hour rather than waiting to see if it resolves on its own.

Yes, Dieffenbachia is toxic to dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause mechanical irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract when chewed or swallowed.

Symptoms begin almost immediately — sometimes with the very first bite — and include oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and pawing at the mouth. Discomfort typically peaks within two hours and usually resolves within 12 to 24 hours, but swelling of the tongue or airway and difficulty breathing are serious signs that require emergency care.

Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth and gently wipe the mouth with a wet cloth to clear oxalate crystals. Do NOT induce vomiting and do NOT give home antidotes without consulting a vet first. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, and seek emergency care immediately if you see facial or throat swelling, breathing changes, or persistent vomiting.

The entire plant — leaves, stem, and sap — contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, so any part that is chewed or swallowed can cause irritation. The crystals cause injury through direct mechanical contact with the tissues of the mouth and digestive tract rather than through a systemically absorbed chemical toxin.